How to Get Rid of a Pimple

It's hard to keep your confidence up when annoying breakouts keep bringing you down. We totally get it. That's why we called up Sejal Shah, M.D., a cosmetic and general dermatologist at Clear Clinic in NYC, to get the skinny on how to get rid of a pimple and keep your complexion flawless.

The Evolution of a Pimple

The Evolution of a Pimple

If you're wondering what goes on below the surface of your skin when a pimple brews, here's a little insight:

"A comedone (black or whitehead) forms and creates a blockage in the pore," says Shah. "Then, protein builds up in the pore, along with bacteria and eventually causes an inflammatory reaction. The inflammatory cells then rush to that area, which is why the spot becomes red. There's your zit. But, unfortunately sometimes that spot can also rupture under the skin, leading to an even worse issue: a cystic bump [these are the pimples that cause a lot of pain and are really deep]."

Hit Up the Kitchen Cabinet

Hit Up the Kitchen Cabinet

If you don't have an acne spot treatment around, crush up an aspirin and add a drop of water to it to create a paste. "This helps minimize any inflammation," says Shah.

"In India, people also use turmeric masks, which are also anti-inflamatory. You can make the mask with turmeric powder, a little almond oil, and the tiniest bit of whole milk, which is soothing. The concoction makes a paste that you can put on all over, leave on until it dries, and then rinse. You can do this once a week."